Integrative Therapies Fair

Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) presents a full and fulfilling morning of education, inspiration and life-affirmation on January 28, 2011 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm at an Integrative Therapies Fair hosted by the , 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad. The event is co-sponsored by the Hospice Education Institute and the Health and Harmony Foundation. The feature of the event is a two-hour presentation on “Spirituality and the End of Life Journey” by renowned professional speaker, trainer, consultant and counselor, Douglas C. Smith, MA, MS, MDiv.

 The cost, including complimentary breakfast and lunch as well as demonstration of a variety of relaxation techniques and tools, is $10 for members of the public and $35 for professionals wishing to earn four Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits for their attendance. Pre-registration is encouraged and available online at www.hospicenorthcoast.org or at 760-431-4100. Event details, including the agenda, are posted on the website. Registration on January 28th begins at 8:00 am.

 HNC Executive Director Nerice Kaufman, MA, LMFT, MDiv, states, “This event is ideal for clinical and spiritual professionals, including clergy, nurses and administrators. It also offers a unique opportunity for people with an interest in hospice to learn from and be inspired by Doug Smith’s wisdom borne of personal experience in grieving as well as his deep erudition on the topic.”

 The Smith-taught course, which is relevant for people of all beliefs, presents a spiritual model of care to complement the medical model. Both professionals and members of the public will be enlightened by the precepts and interactive exercises that enable participants to explore themselves as spiritual beings and obtain guidance in the use of tools that help the terminally ill find a sense of purpose and meaning, even amid pain and suffering.

 The Fair, which takes place before and after Smith’s presentation and wrap-up question-and-answer session, includes chair massage, Reiki, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, expressive arts and music. Kaufman notes, “These integrated therapies, in addition to palliative care and other supports, are among several warm, empathetic, client-centered programs HNC offers to terminally ill patients, their families and the bereaved.” Integrative therapists will enhance participants’ understanding of the connections among body, mind and spirit.

 Kaufman reports, “Our friendly, community-oriented nonprofit hospice has long been known for innovative community education events. We are committed to providing leadership in the field.”

The nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients; it currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and to their families, including bereavement support. To fulfill its mission of maintaining dignity, comfort and the highest quality of life for those it serves, regardless of ability to pay, Hospice of the North Coast hosts fundraising events, operates a family support camp and resale shop, and maintains a cadre of volunteers. A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its spacious new Carlsbad facility at 2525 Pio Pico Drive, Suite 301, will be held on March 24, 2011 at 4:00 pm.                     

In addition to his speaking and training engagements, Douglas C. Smith, whose three masters degrees in different healthcare disciplines give him a holistic perspective, has worked in hospitals, hospices and social service agencies; visit www.dougcsmith.com.

The Hospice Education Institute is an independent nonprofit that provides members of the public and health care professionals with information and education about the many facets of caring for the dying and bereaved; visit www.hospiceworld.org.

The Museum of Making Music opens doors to enable people of all ages and walks of life to find their way into the richly kaleidoscopic world of music making; visit www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

The Health and Harmony Foundation is a private family foundation based in North County.